Is this Idolatry?

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Dreamer28

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Is this Idolatry? Wanting to play the Piano, then Write, and Dance or Contortion? Would I be making myself into an Idol for this?
Anyways, someone pls let me know, cuase I like to do those things, it's what keeps me from being bored, but sometimes I have a feeling that thease things are of my own plans and not God's, but then again, today I heard that any dream you have is a vision from God and that I should try to make it come true. It was in the Joel O steen book. (I declare) and so does Joyce Meyers, she talks about fallowing your dreams too. But I don't know. I've probably asked this question, but I need more assurance about whether or not it's ok. thanks.
 

Girder of Loins

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Anything can become an idol. Sitting can become an idol. If piano, writing, and dancing/contorting is your hobby or pastime or career, it isn't an idol.

Onto the dreams. There is a difference between passion and a dream. I'll use myself as an example. I've always wanted to own a business and do youth ministry. But, I became sidetracked by a dream. A dream to learn about Creation at the atomic level. I wanted to be a Physicist or Nuclear Engineer. While amiable, it was only a dream. My passion was the business and youth ministry. Joel Osteen is notorious for supporting a "feel good" Gospel that sugar-coats everything serious. Go with your passions in life. Find a way to use your skills and talents to God's glory, and you'll find your way.
 
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BFine

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An idol is anything that replaces the one, true God.

Idolatry is excessive devotion to and or reverence given to
a person, place or thing (other than God.)

You can play the piano, write and do contortions if you like,
but don't let it replace your devotion and reverence to God.
 
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alan650

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It is a complete lie that every dream is from God because it wouldn't be ourselves coming up with a vision for our life but God alone. Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers do seem to have a feel good gospel which is real harmful since it paints a false picture of what a Christian life should look like. We will all face struggles and trials.

As for your likes being idols, they are only idols if they come before God. Be sure to have a passion for Jesus Christ and the grace he so freely gives you before anything else in your life. Once you realize the enormity of God's love shown through Christ everything else in your life will just fade away and be secondary hobbies so you will have such a thirst for God that you wouldn't put idols before Him.
 
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Lilly Owl

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Is this Idolatry? Wanting to play the Piano, then Write, and Dance or Contortion? Would I be making myself into an Idol for this?
Anyways, someone pls let me know, cuase I like to do those things, it's what keeps me from being bored, but sometimes I have a feeling that thease things are of my own plans and not God's, but then again, today I heard that any dream you have is a vision from God and that I should try to make it come true. It was in the Joel O steen book. (I declare) and so does Joyce Meyers, she talks about fallowing your dreams too. But I don't know. I've probably asked this question, but I need more assurance about whether or not it's ok. thanks.

Is that you in your avatar?
I don't think you would be responsible for making yourself into an idol. As someone has said already, you could be someone would others would choose to idolize. But that's not your responsibility.

God gave you gifts to use to the glory of God. Pursuing your dreams and making the most of that is glorifying God. Not idolatry. Others are responsible for their choices. You are only responsible for yours.

God Bless you to the highest heights of your dreams. :hug:
 
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znr

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I can tell you have never heard a full Joyce Meyer teaching series, and probably I'm guessing here, not even a single full hour of her teaching. Most people who accuse her of being a false teacher 1) don't have any idea what she teaches because 2) they have not actually listened to her teachings, but perhaps heard rumors and just went with those instead - so they 3) accuse her of being "feel good" because they 4) see #1 and #2.

The last thing Joyce Meyers teaches is feel good Christianity. Anyone who's listened to her teachings knows she doesn't teach feel good anything.

It is a complete lie that every dream is from God because it wouldn't be ourselves coming up with a vision for our life but God alone. Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers do seem to have a feel good gospel which is real harmful since it paints a false picture of what a Christian life should look like. We will all face struggles and trials.

As for your likes being idols, they are only idols if they come before God. Be sure to have a passion for Jesus Christ and the grace he so freely gives you before anything else in your life. Once you realize the enormity of God's love shown through Christ everything else in your life will just fade away and be secondary hobbies so you will have such a thirst for God that you wouldn't put idols before Him.
 
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xxxxxxtra

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God gave you these wonderful talents.. Use them.. But, always make Christ your priority...
I would be very careful at what advice you are taking from joel or joyce.. As far as his advice that a dream is a vision from God.. Think about that.. What about nightmares.. No his advice is almost new wave.. Be careful.. Try listenning to charles stanley and adrian rogers. And john macarthur, and r. C. Sproll senior, and chip ingram. These people are Christ focused.. They are not be the best you that you can be guru's..
I just wanna ask this... If you have a dream that you took an axe and gave your mother 40 wacks.. Would that be a vision from God also.. Think about it.. Joel is all about numbers.. Seeing just how big his self help ministry can get..
 
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znr

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How many of Joyce Meyers teachings have you heard from start to finish? I'm guessing...none to very few. Feel free to tell me I'm wrong. I'm really tired of people spreading their negative opinion about preachers as truth. Tell me, what exactly does Joyce teach that goes against biblical teaching? Got any real facts based on research or is this just another misinformed opinion?

God gave you these wonderful talents.. Use them.. But, always make Christ your priority...
I would be very careful at what advice you are taking from joel or joyce.. As far as his advice that a dream is a vision from God.. Think about that.. What about nightmares.. No his advice is almost new wave.. Be careful.. Try listenning to charles stanley and adrian rogers. And john macarthur, and r. C. Sproll senior, and chip ingram. These people are Christ focused.. They are not be the best you that you can be guru's..
I just wanna ask this... If you have a dream that you took an axe and gave your mother 40 wacks.. Would that be a vision from God also.. Think about it.. Joel is all about numbers.. Seeing just how big his self help ministry can get..
 
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Angelfrog

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Have to say, I agree wqith Zeener re: joyce Meyer. Over here in the UK we're get relatively little of televangelists- unless we subscribe to something like Sky TV- and we're also very mistrustful and cynical about most of them- but Joyce Meyer is someone who most Christians I've spoken to- who have ever heard of her- respect. She's one of the few I can stomach watching and far from preaching a feel good gospel- I've never heard anything but admonishments to 'get real' from her. She's very much a teacher of 'stop thinking the world owes you something and start looking to see what God wants'.
That's why I like her preaching- because she's grittily real and says it plainly.


Anyhow..... dreamer, there's nothing wrong with using your talents, whether for some sort of ministry or for sheer enjoyment, as a way of relaxing and 'recharging'. As others have said, only if you're putting the pursuit of something over God does it become an idol.

I'd echo Girder, as well- make sure you realise that when people speak of following dreams, they don't mean literal, actual dreams that occur when you sleep- but rather deep desires and hopes. On the matter of literal dreams, though- beware of ANYONE who says every one is from God.

Some are- but most are simply the brain's natural way of processing events and feelings. If I acted as if God had sent every dream, I'd have ended up sitting on a toilet out in the middle of the street with the walls having fallen down and everyone in town able to see me and staring at me!!!!

(Come in Doctor Freud!!!)

The vast majority of dreams are just that- nonsensical dreams.

Good to hear that you're still practising the contortionism, Dreamer. How's it going?
 
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marnor90

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Listen, I bought 1x synth, and 1x workstation thereafter; and out of nowhere, thought of playing piano, but "Getting big" is nothing but a joke. Not to mention, dreams often come from Satan and tempt you. And "Its my dream" is often an excuse for putting something in front, and choosing only it, instead of God.
Good bless
 
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HIS Geeky Girl

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Is this Idolatry? Wanting to play the Piano, then Write, and Dance or Contortion? Would I be making myself into an Idol for this?
Anyways, someone pls let me know, cuase I like to do those things, it's what keeps me from being bored, but sometimes I have a feeling that thease things are of my own plans and not God's, but then again, today I heard that any dream you have is a vision from God and that I should try to make it come true. It was in the Joel O steen book. (I declare) and so does Joyce Meyers, she talks about fallowing your dreams too. But I don't know. I've probably asked this question, but I need more assurance about whether or not it's ok. thanks.

IMHO there's a difference between God-given dreams, talents, and passions, and stuff that we just "like to do" as hobbies or things to pass the time. As long as God remains first in your heart, and you don't allow anything else to take His place as #1 in your life, you should be OK. Make sure you're allowing time each day for prayer, Bible reading, and time with Him. I think playing piano and dancing and writing are wonderful things to do with your time and talents!
 
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D

Dreamer28

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thanks for letting me know. I think I'll keep fallowing God by fallowing my dreams. It's been making me happy for the past couple of days. I've been really writing and editing my story. I think it turned into a fanfic, though since were not allowed to mention other peoples names in stories, but a made up name doesn't seem real to me either. Oh well, it's a story, that's all I care about.
 
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TheyCallMeDave

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Is this Idolatry? Wanting to play the Piano, then Write, and Dance or Contortion? Would I be making myself into an Idol for this?
Anyways, someone pls let me know, cuase I like to do those things, it's what keeps me from being bored, but sometimes I have a feeling that thease things are of my own plans and not God's, but then again, today I heard that any dream you have is a vision from God and that I should try to make it come true. It was in the Joel O steen book. (I declare) and so does Joyce Meyers, she talks about fallowing your dreams too. But I don't know. I've probably asked this question, but I need more assurance about whether or not it's ok. thanks.

Few thoughts ---

1. Not ALL dreams are from God. Satan is capable of coming into your Mind with all kinds of wrong things, images, thoughts, which might spur you onto action steps that are not of God.

2. It is not wrong at all for you to pursue the things you listed , for, God gives us talents, abilities, etc...for our creative pleasure to discover ...and if you are willing, to use for his honor and glory. Doing something becomes an Idol when we make it more important or on the same importance level as our relationship to God.

3. The dreams you have , so long as they are wholesome/correct/pure/and dont violate Scripture or Gods character, nature, or person...are available for you to follow . ANd if you can somehow channel the results of those dreams to give praise, honor, and glory to your Creator...then so much the better. God is a God of creativity which is plainly evident by looking at how Humans are wired and what they can do which is good , how the animal kingdom is designed , as well as plant life and many other created examples.

So, enjoy a creative filled Life as you grow and love God more and more every day.
 
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